Great American Ball Park

Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport

13.7 miles/ 20 minutes to Great American Ball Park

 

 

Hotels- all within 1 mile of Great American Ball Park

 

Unlimited Budget

The Westin- Cincinnati

Marriott- Cincinnati Rivercenter

Moderate Budget

Comfort Suites- Newport

Hampton Inn- Cincinnati Riverfront

Chaser budget traveler

Ramada- Cincinnati

Travelodge- Newport Riverfront

 

 

Parking

 

The Cincinnati area offers plenty of on-site parking lots and garage options on the East and West sides of the stadium. Expect to pay between $10-12 for close parking and $5-$10 for vendor parking further out.

Ballpark Chasers Tip: The 255 Fifth Parking Garage is an easy walk to the stadium and only $7. Otherwise, park on the Kentucky side of the river for a nice walk over the Southgate Bridge!

 

 

Dining

 

It’s a must for Reds fans to visit the Machine Room to see old Redleg photos and memorabilia. Located in the left field of Great American Ball Park, the Machine Room Grille opens 3 hours before game time for batting practice.

Don’t forget the Cincinnati Coney dogs! Look for sections 116, 130 or 518 for the Skyline Cheese Coney station. Another must eatery is Montgomery Inn in section 124. The locals rave about this stuff and the Ballpark Chasers crew has to concur!

Ballpark Chasers Tip: the Reds and Great American Ball Park are doing their part to help out the fan during the 2009 season. Look for $1 concession items along the first base side (Fan Zone and View Level). Popcorn, peanuts, hot dogs, soda, ice cream and taffy are all $1. Even the beer is discounted to $5! 

 

If you want to dine outside the park, make an effort to stop at Arnold’s Bar & Grill. Located at 210 East 8^th St.  Arnolds has been serving since 1861 and will make you feel right at home.  If you want a quick bite close to the park, check out the Game Day Café or In Between Tavern. Both are located within 2 blocks of Great American Ball Park and are where the local fans like to hang out before and after a Reds victory!

 

When parking or coming from the Kentucky side, check out a local favorite called Hofbraushaus Newport (don't worry if you can't pronounce it). This German style restaurant is truly one of the only authentic Hofbraushaus' in North America. You have your choice of dining in their Bier Hall which offers live Bavarian music or a quiet dinning room to avoid the crowd. Check out their monthly beer selection to help choose your best month to visit. 

Tickets

 

No need to pre-order your tickets this season as the box office will have plenty of seats on game day as the Reds continue to fight their way back to a playoff caliber team. If possible, plan on catching one of the Friday night fireworks’ shows. It’s a top-notch presentation that caps off a great night at the old ballpark!

 

Ballpark Chasers Tip: if you’re looking for an inexpensive ticket, get a low row in section 521. This section has a great view of the entire field, looking out onto the Ohio River and is a perfect seat for the firework shows!

 

 

Weather

 

From May through September, expect temperatures in the 80s with humidity. On average, July tends to be the hottest month, while May is the wettest month. Nothing to worry about as a late afternoon shower will cool off a night at the ballpark! Ballpark Chasers suggest making your trip to the Great American Ball Park in the month of June.

 

 

Local Attractions

 

Whether you are a fan or the Reds or not, they are the oldest Major League Ball Club and have a lot of history. Therefore, we recommend coming early to the park to walk through the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Located on the grounds of Great American Ball Park, it is just $10 for a game day pass and takes roughly 30 minutes to go through and experience the rich past of the Redlegs.

 

Also close to the stadium is the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. This Museum is one of the best in the United States. A $12 ticket will enlighten you on the secret network of escape routes that slaves used leading up to the civil war and our country’s fight to end slavery. Make sure to check out their current exhibit, "Discover Greatness: an Illustrated History of the Negro Baseball Leagues". Now through mid-July, Discovery Greatness showcases 90 framed photographs created by the Negro Leagues Museum in Kansas City. 

 

Don’t leave Cincinnati without taking a stroll through Fountain Square. Just blocks from Great American Ball Park, this entertainment hub is home to great shops, dining, landscaping and people watching!  

 

 

Ballpark Chasers Trip Suggestion

 

Cincinnati is in the heart of the Midwest and can easily be combined with travels to other ballparks. The closest stadium is Progressive Field in Cleveland (roughly a 4 hour drive). The toughest part is deciding how many to see!  We suggest one of the following sceneries:

 

1.) Great American Ball Park, Wrigley Field, US Cellular, Miller Park

2.) Great American Ball Park, Progressive Field, Comerica Park, PNC Park

 

If you would rather stay in the Cincinnati area, check out some Minor League Baseball in Dayton, Ohio. The Dayton Dragons have one of the best Minor League ballparks in the country. Fifth Third Field is definitely worth the 1 hour drive!